Huwwara, Za'tara (Tapuah), Wed 28.11.07, Afternoon
Natanya translating.
14.30 At Zeita
We stopped to speak to a group of Palestinians who were gathered next to the 4 cement blocks which closes the entrance. They say that the entrance to cars has been closed for a month and is only possible from the direction of Huwwara. We spoke to a man from Marda where there are no medical services and so he has to get to Zeita. The detour is long and so he comes to this point from where he will be collected by a van to go in. They are angry and desperate. They don't know why it has been decided to block the entrance.
At Za'tara there are about 13-14 cars from the south.
14.40 Huwwara.
At the entrance there is an enormous sign concerning the demonstration of the rights against the meeting in Anapolis. The soldiers have been reinforced probably because of the political developments and all the posts are manned. The lines are long but go through fairly quickly. The women's line is very crowded and a girl who is not feeling well is brought out by two of her friends.
15.30 A man of about 50, heavy and breathing and shivering is brought by soldiers to the isolation. He seems to be sick and the commander says that he is only pretending because he has been caught for the second time "running." The efficient DCO representative, R. advises them to free him even if there is only the slightest possibility that he really does not feel well. The commander grumbles but does so. He says to us with poison in his voice that he hopes that we are satisfied.
Then the soldier detainee a young man whom they said has a forged ID.
15.40 A young man tries to pass with a handwritten note in Hebrew. This is the young man who is always detained because of the last numbers and sometimes it takes hours until he is freed. Some days ago a soldier had written him a note so as to make it easier for him but it does not help and once more he waits for the secret service.
Ecumenical workers tell us of improvements on the other side....railings between the lines and the division between men and women is also clearer. They say this does make things easier.
15.55 Beit Furik.
Almost empty. The commander insists we move beyond the white line which is far off and there is no point in our standing there so we go back.
16.05 Huwwara
The Ecumenical workers say that while we were gone there was a serious fight amongst some Palestinians youths which ended in the soldiers priming their weapons and threatening to shoot. One of the men, his face covered in blood, is pushed into the isolation but freed after a while.
15.40 Two detainees
are still held and wait for the police and the secret service. We cannot help and leave.